10582341

Facilitating Estimation of Mobile Device Presence Inside a Defined Region

PublishedMarch 3, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method, comprising: determining, by a device comprising a processor, an estimated path of travel for a mobile device based on location information representing locations of the mobile device and corresponding time information for the locations of the mobile device, wherein the location information is obtained from a source other than global positioning system information; based on the corresponding time information for the locations of the mobile device, determining, by the device, whether the estimated path of travel traverses a defined region comprising a defined point of interest at a defined time of interest; determining, by the device, quality information representative of a quality factor indicative of a level of accuracy of the location information, wherein the quality factor is determined based on a first value and a second value, wherein the first value is representative of error information determined based on at least a sum of: a first square of a first error of a first location of the locations of the mobile device, and a second square of a second error of a second location of the locations of the mobile device, wherein the second value comprises a difference between a first time at the first location and a second time at the second location, and wherein the quality factor is a function of the first value being divided by the second value; determining, by the device, a standard deviation for an estimated speed of the mobile device; outputting, by the device, a first signal to continue use of the estimated speed of the mobile device to determine that the estimated path of travel traverses the defined region and to separate the estimated path of travel into segments represented as integer values for determination of an estimate of where the mobile device was within the defined region, wherein the outputting the first signal is based on determining that the standard deviation is less than a defined threshold; and outputting, by the device, a second signal to discontinue the use of the estimated speed of the mobile device and discontinue usage of the location information, wherein the outputting the second signal is based on determining that the standard deviation is greater than or equal to the defined threshold.

Plain English Translation

A method for tracking a mobile device's path of travel using non-GPS location data involves estimating the device's path based on location and time information from alternative sources. The method assesses whether the estimated path crosses a predefined region of interest at a specific time. To evaluate the reliability of the location data, a quality factor is calculated by dividing a first value (representing the sum of squared errors from two locations) by a second value (the time difference between those locations). Additionally, the standard deviation of the estimated speed is determined. If the standard deviation is below a predefined threshold, the method outputs a signal to continue using the estimated speed for path analysis, segmenting the path into integer-valued segments to estimate the device's position within the region. If the standard deviation meets or exceeds the threshold, a signal is output to stop using the estimated speed and discard the location data. This approach ensures accurate tracking while mitigating errors from unreliable location sources.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the location information is obtained from a wireless fidelity access point in a defined proximity of the mobile device, and wherein the determining whether the estimated path of travel traverses the defined region comprises: based on defined roadways being determined to be within a defined geographic proximity of the locations, associating the location information with the defined roadways; and assigning the estimated path of travel to the defined roadways; and based on the defined roadways being determined not to be within the defined geographic proximity of the locations, determining a route based on the locations; and assigning the estimated path of travel to the route.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to determining whether a mobile device's estimated path of travel traverses a defined geographic region by analyzing location information obtained from a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point in proximity to the device. The method involves obtaining location data from the Wi-Fi access point and determining whether the estimated path crosses the defined region. If the location data indicates that the device is near defined roadways, the location information is associated with those roadways, and the estimated path is assigned to them. If the roadways are not within a defined geographic proximity of the locations, a route is determined based on the location data, and the estimated path is assigned to this route. This approach ensures accurate path tracking by leveraging Wi-Fi signals and roadway data to refine the estimated travel path, addressing challenges in precise location determination in dynamic environments. The method improves upon traditional GPS-based tracking by incorporating Wi-Fi access points as additional data sources, enhancing reliability in areas with limited satellite coverage or signal interference.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the determining whether the estimated path of travel traverses the defined region further comprises: determining a synthetic location based on the estimated path of travel at the defined time of interest.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to systems for monitoring and analyzing the movement of objects, such as vehicles or drones, to determine whether their estimated paths of travel intersect with predefined regions of interest. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient path prediction to assess potential interactions between moving objects and specific geographic areas, which is critical for applications like collision avoidance, airspace management, or autonomous navigation. The method involves estimating a path of travel for an object based on its current position, velocity, and other dynamic parameters. To assess whether this path intersects a predefined region, the system calculates a synthetic location along the estimated path at a specific time of interest. This synthetic location is a projected position derived from the object's trajectory model, allowing for precise evaluation of whether the path will pass through or near the defined region. The synthetic location is determined by extrapolating the object's movement using kinematic equations or other predictive algorithms, ensuring that the assessment accounts for changes in speed, direction, or other influencing factors. By generating this synthetic location, the system can dynamically determine if the object's future position will fall within the boundaries of the predefined region, enabling timely decision-making for safety or operational adjustments. This approach improves upon traditional methods by incorporating real-time trajectory data and reducing false positives or negatives in path intersection assessments. The technique is particularly useful in environments where precise spatial awareness is required, such as urban air mobility, maritime navigation, or automated logistics.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the determining whether the estimated path of traverse the defined region further comprises: determining whether the synthetic location at the defined time of interest is within the defined region.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to navigation and path planning systems, specifically for determining whether a traversal path intersects a defined region. The problem addressed is accurately assessing whether a path will pass through a specified area, which is critical for applications like collision avoidance, autonomous navigation, and spatial monitoring. The method involves analyzing a synthetic location at a defined time of interest to determine if it lies within a predefined region. This is part of a broader process that estimates the path of traverse through the region. The synthetic location is a calculated position derived from the estimated path, allowing for precise spatial analysis. The predefined region can be any bounded area, such as a no-fly zone, restricted area, or obstacle zone. The method ensures that the path is evaluated at specific times to check for intersections with the region, improving accuracy over static or time-independent checks. This is particularly useful in dynamic environments where the path or region may change over time. The technique can be applied in various fields, including robotics, aviation, and maritime navigation, where avoiding restricted areas is essential for safety and compliance. The invention enhances existing path-planning systems by incorporating time-dependent spatial checks, reducing the risk of unintended traversals into restricted regions.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein, in response to the defined roadways being determined not to be within the defined geographic proximity of the locations, the determining the route comprises: determining a third location of the locations at a third time and determining a fourth location of the locations at a fourth time.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to route determination systems for vehicles, particularly for optimizing routes based on real-time location data. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically adjust routes when predefined roadways are not within a specified geographic proximity of a vehicle's current or predicted locations. The system determines a route by first identifying a set of locations for a vehicle at different times. If the predefined roadways are not within a defined geographic proximity of these locations, the system further refines the route by determining additional locations at subsequent times. This iterative process ensures that the route remains optimized even when initial conditions do not align with the predefined roadways. The method involves continuous monitoring and adjustment of the vehicle's path to maintain efficiency and accuracy in navigation. The system may also incorporate predictive algorithms to anticipate future vehicle positions, enhancing route planning. The invention is particularly useful in autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle navigation, where real-time adjustments are critical for safety and efficiency.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising: determining a route region representing the route between the third location and the fourth location based on interpolating between the third location and the fourth location.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to route determination and navigation systems, specifically improving the accuracy and efficiency of route representation between two locations. The problem addressed is the need for precise route modeling, particularly in scenarios where direct path data is incomplete or where interpolation between discrete points is required to generate a continuous route representation. The method involves determining a route region that accurately represents the path between a third location and a fourth location. This is achieved by interpolating between the two locations to generate a continuous route region. The interpolation process ensures that the route region is not just a straight line but a realistic representation of the actual path, accounting for potential obstacles, terrain, or other navigational constraints. This interpolation may involve mathematical modeling, such as spline interpolation or other curve-fitting techniques, to create a smooth and accurate route representation. The method may also include additional steps, such as defining the third and fourth locations based on prior route segments or user inputs, and refining the route region based on environmental or contextual data. The resulting route region can be used for navigation, obstacle avoidance, or path planning in various applications, including autonomous vehicles, drones, or robotic systems. The interpolation-based approach ensures that the route is both efficient and adaptable to real-world conditions.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 2 , wherein, in response to the defined roadways being determined not to be within the geographic proximity of the locations, the determining the route comprises: interpolating between a third location of the locations of the mobile device and a fourth location of the locations of the mobile device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to route determination for mobile devices, particularly in scenarios where predefined roadways are not available or relevant. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate route calculation when a mobile device's location data does not align with known road networks, such as in off-road or poorly mapped areas. The method involves tracking the mobile device's movement by recording multiple locations over time. If the predefined roadways (e.g., digital map data) are not within a specified geographic proximity of these recorded locations, the system determines a route by interpolating between at least two of the recorded locations. This interpolation creates a path that approximates the device's actual movement, even without direct roadway data. The interpolation may use linear or nonlinear techniques to estimate the most likely route taken by the device. This approach ensures continuous route tracking in areas where traditional map-based navigation fails, improving reliability for applications like emergency services, off-road navigation, or location-based services in remote regions. The method dynamically adapts to the device's movement patterns, providing a fallback solution when predefined roadways are unavailable.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining, by the device, that the first error or the second error is too large relative to a distance traveled by the mobile device and a time of travel by the mobile device, wherein the determining is based on determining that the standard deviation is greater than or equal to the defined threshold.

Plain English Translation

A method for error detection in mobile device positioning involves monitoring positioning errors to ensure accuracy. The method tracks a first error associated with a first positioning system and a second error associated with a second positioning system. The errors are compared to a defined threshold to assess their magnitude. If either error exceeds the threshold, the method determines whether the error is disproportionately large relative to the distance traveled by the mobile device and the time taken to travel that distance. This assessment is based on calculating the standard deviation of the errors and comparing it to the threshold. If the standard deviation meets or exceeds the threshold, the method identifies the error as excessively large, indicating a potential issue with the positioning systems or the device's movement tracking. This ensures that positioning errors are not only detected but also evaluated in context to distinguish between normal variations and significant inaccuracies. The method helps improve the reliability of mobile device positioning by flagging anomalies that could affect navigation or location-based services.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: determining an estimated path of travel for a mobile device based on location information representing locations of the mobile device and corresponding time information for the locations of the mobile device, wherein the location information is obtained from a source other than global positioning system information, and wherein the location information is obtained based on points of interest within a defined vicinity of the mobile device; and determining a quality factor, wherein the quality factor is a function of error information, wherein the error information comprises a sum of: a first square of a first error of a first location of the locations, and a second square of a second error of a second location of the locations; determining a standard deviation for an estimated speed of the mobile device; outputting a first signal associated with continued travel by the mobile device at the estimated speed; separating the estimated path of travel into segments represented as integer values for determination of an estimate at which the mobile device was located at one of the segments within the defined region, wherein the outputting the first signal is based on determining the standard deviation is less than or equal to a defined threshold; and outputting a second signal associated with discontinuation of the location information, wherein the outputting the second signal is based on determining the standard deviation is greater than the defined threshold.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to mobile device tracking using non-GPS location data, addressing challenges in accurately estimating device movement and determining data reliability. The apparatus includes a processor and memory storing executable instructions to perform operations for tracking a mobile device. The system determines an estimated path of travel by analyzing location data derived from points of interest within a defined vicinity of the device, rather than relying on GPS. Time-stamped location data is used to calculate the path, and a quality factor is derived from error information, which includes the squared errors of at least two locations along the path. The system also computes a standard deviation for the estimated speed of the device. Based on this standard deviation, the apparatus outputs signals: a first signal indicates continued travel at the estimated speed if the standard deviation is within a defined threshold, while a second signal triggers discontinuation of location tracking if the standard deviation exceeds the threshold. The path is segmented into integer-valued segments to estimate the device's position within the defined region. This approach ensures reliable tracking by dynamically assessing data quality and adjusting tracking behavior accordingly.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the operations further comprise: based on the corresponding time information for the locations of the mobile device, determining whether a location on the estimated path of travel is within a defined region within a defined time period of interest, wherein the determining whether the estimated path of travel is within the defined region comprises: based on the determining indicating that defined roadways are within a defined geographic proximity of the locations, associating the location information with the defined roadways; and assigning the estimated path of travel to the defined roadways.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for tracking and analyzing the movement of a mobile device along a path of travel, particularly for determining whether the device's estimated path intersects with a predefined geographic region within a specified timeframe. The system addresses the challenge of accurately mapping a device's movement to known roadways and assessing whether its trajectory falls within a designated area during a relevant time period. The apparatus processes location data from the mobile device, including timestamps and geographic coordinates, to estimate the device's path of travel. It then evaluates whether this path intersects with a predefined region by first determining if the device's recorded locations are within a specified proximity to known roadways. If so, the system associates the location data with those roadways and assigns the estimated path to them. This allows the system to assess whether the device's movement falls within the defined region during the time period of interest. The method ensures accurate path tracking by leveraging roadway data to refine location estimates, improving the reliability of geographic and temporal assessments. This is useful for applications such as location-based services, traffic monitoring, or compliance verification.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the operations further comprise: based on the determining indicating that the defined roadways are not within a defined geographic proximity of the locations, determining a route based on the locations; and assigning the estimated path of travel to the route.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing and optimizing vehicle routes based on geographic proximity and predefined roadways. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently assign vehicle paths to routes when the predefined roadways do not align with the actual locations of interest. The system first determines whether defined roadways are within a specified geographic proximity of given locations. If they are not, the system calculates a route based on the locations and assigns an estimated path of travel to this route. The system may also generate a route map displaying the route and the estimated path of travel, and it can adjust the route based on real-time conditions such as traffic or road closures. Additionally, the system can prioritize routes based on factors like distance, time, or vehicle capacity, and it can update the route dynamically as new locations or conditions are detected. The invention ensures that routes are optimized for efficiency and adaptability, even when predefined roadways are not suitable.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the determining whether the estimated path of travel traverses the defined region further comprises: identifying a construction delay occurring with respect to the estimated path of traffic; predicting a reduced traffic speed based on the construction delay, resulting in a predicted reduced traffic speed; determining that the mobile device is traveling at a speed no greater than the predicted reduced traffic speed; and determining a synthetic location on the estimated path of travel within the defined time period of interest, wherein the synthetic location is based on the predicted reduced traffic speed for the mobile device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to traffic monitoring and location estimation, particularly for mobile devices in areas with construction delays. The problem addressed is accurately determining a mobile device's location when traffic conditions are disrupted by construction, which can lead to incorrect path predictions. The apparatus includes a system that estimates a mobile device's path of travel and checks if it traverses a defined region, such as a geographic boundary or area of interest. When a construction delay is detected along the estimated path, the system predicts a reduced traffic speed due to the delay. It then checks if the mobile device is traveling at or below this reduced speed. If so, the system generates a synthetic location for the device along the estimated path, based on the predicted reduced speed, to improve location accuracy within a specified time period. The synthetic location is calculated to account for the slower traffic, ensuring the device's position is estimated correctly despite the construction delay. This helps avoid errors in location-based services, such as navigation or traffic analysis, when normal traffic flow is disrupted. The system dynamically adjusts location estimates based on real-time traffic conditions, improving reliability in areas with construction or other delays.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein, in response to the determining that the defined roadways are not within the defined geographic proximity of the locations, the determining the route comprises: determining a third location of the locations at a third time and determining a fourth location of the locations at a fourth time; and determining a route region representing the route between the third location and the fourth location based on interpolating between the third location and the fourth location.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to navigation systems that dynamically determine routes based on real-time location data. The problem addressed is the challenge of accurately mapping routes when predefined roadways are not available or do not align with the actual travel path. The system collects location data from a moving vehicle or device at multiple times, generating a series of geographic coordinates. If the predefined roadways do not match the collected locations, the system calculates an alternative route by interpolating between two or more of these locations. Specifically, it identifies a third location at a third time and a fourth location at a fourth time, then generates a route region representing the path between them. This interpolation method allows the system to construct a route even when traditional mapping data is incomplete or inaccurate, ensuring continuous navigation guidance. The approach is particularly useful in areas with poor road network data or for off-road navigation. The system dynamically adjusts the route based on real-time position updates, improving reliability and adaptability in varying environments.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the defined time period of interest is a first defined time period of interest, and wherein, in response to the determining that the defined roadways are not within a geographic proximity of the locations, the determining the route comprises: interpolating between the first location of the locations of the mobile device within the defined time period of interest and the second location of the locations of the mobile device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for determining a route traveled by a mobile device, particularly in scenarios where the device's location data is sparse or incomplete. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately reconstructing a route when the device's recorded locations do not align with known roadways or when gaps exist in the location data. The system first identifies a set of recorded locations of the mobile device within a defined time period. If these locations do not correspond to any known roadways within a specified geographic proximity, the system interpolates between the recorded locations to estimate the route. This interpolation process generates a plausible path between the recorded points, effectively filling in gaps where direct location data is missing. The interpolation may involve linear or nonlinear techniques to ensure the estimated route adheres to realistic travel patterns. The system may also adjust the interpolation based on additional factors, such as the device's speed, direction, or historical travel patterns, to improve accuracy. This approach ensures that even with incomplete or imprecise location data, the system can still provide a reasonable estimate of the route taken by the mobile device. The invention is particularly useful in applications like navigation, fleet tracking, or personal location services where continuous and accurate route reconstruction is essential.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the first defined time period of interest and the second defined time period of interest are included within the corresponding time information.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for analyzing time-based data, particularly for identifying and comparing specific time periods of interest within a dataset. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently extracting and correlating relevant time intervals from large datasets, which is critical in applications such as financial analysis, event monitoring, or performance tracking. The apparatus includes a data processing unit configured to receive input data containing time-stamped events or measurements. The system defines and tracks two distinct time periods of interest, which are embedded within the corresponding time information of the dataset. These time periods may represent intervals of significant activity, anomalies, or predefined conditions. The apparatus further includes a comparison module that evaluates the relationship between the two time periods, such as their overlap, sequence, or duration, to derive meaningful insights. The system may also include a user interface for configuring the time periods or visualizing the results. The apparatus ensures that the time periods are accurately captured and analyzed, enabling users to detect patterns, trends, or deviations in the data. This approach enhances decision-making by providing precise temporal context for the data being analyzed. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where time-based correlations are essential for understanding system behavior or performance.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the operations further comprise: determining quality data indicative of the quality factor, and wherein the quality factor represents a level of accuracy of the location information.

Plain English Translation

A system for improving the accuracy of location information in wireless communication networks addresses the challenge of unreliable positioning data due to environmental interference, signal multipath effects, or device limitations. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to obtain location information from a mobile device, such as GPS coordinates or network-based positioning data. A processor analyzes this data to determine a quality factor representing the accuracy of the location information. The quality factor may be derived from signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, or other metrics that indicate the reliability of the positioning data. The system may also incorporate additional sensors, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs) or barometric sensors, to cross-reference and refine the location information. By assessing the quality factor, the apparatus can filter out low-confidence location data, apply correction algorithms, or trigger alternative positioning methods when accuracy is insufficient. This ensures more reliable location tracking for applications like navigation, asset monitoring, or emergency services. The system dynamically adjusts its processing based on the quality factor to maintain high-precision positioning in varying conditions.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the operations further comprise: discarding the location information based on a determination that the quality factor has satisfied a defined condition, and wherein the quality factor is a function of a first error of the first location of the locations and a second error of the second location of the locations; and employing a clean-up process for permanent removal of the location information after a defined amount of time.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing location data in a tracking or positioning apparatus. The problem addressed is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of stored location information by evaluating and discarding low-quality data while preventing permanent removal of potentially useful data prematurely. The apparatus processes location information derived from multiple sources, such as sensors or positioning systems, to determine a first location and a second location. A quality factor is calculated for each location, where the quality factor is a function of the first error associated with the first location and the second error associated with the second location. If the quality factor meets a predefined condition (e.g., exceeds a threshold or falls below a minimum standard), the location information is discarded to prevent inaccurate data from being stored or used. Additionally, a clean-up process is employed to permanently remove the location information after a defined period, ensuring that outdated or unreliable data does not persist in the system. This approach balances real-time accuracy with long-term data integrity, improving the reliability of location-based applications.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: determining an estimated path of travel for a mobile device based on location information representing locations of the mobile device and corresponding time information for the locations of the mobile device, wherein the location information is obtained from a source other than global positioning system information, and wherein the location information is obtained from network event locating system location information; determining a quality factor, wherein the quality factor is a function of a first value and a second value, wherein the first value is a square root of error information, wherein the error information comprises a sum of: a first square of a first error of a first location of the locations, and a second square of a second error of a second location of the locations, and wherein the second value comprises a difference between a first time at the first location and a second time at the second location, outputting a first signal for continued movement of the mobile device at an estimated speed, wherein the outputting the first signal is based on a standard deviation being less than a defined threshold; separating the estimated path of travel into segments represented as integer values for determination of an estimate of where the mobile device was located at a segment of the segments within the defined region; and outputting a second signal for cessation of the continued movement of the mobile device at the estimated speed and discontinuation of the location information, wherein the outputting the second signal is based on determining the standard deviation being greater than or equal to the defined threshold.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for tracking and controlling the movement of a mobile device using location data derived from network event locating systems rather than GPS. The system estimates the device's path of travel by analyzing location and time data from network events, such as cell tower connections or Wi-Fi access points. A quality factor is calculated to assess the reliability of the location data, combining error metrics from multiple locations and the time differences between them. The system outputs control signals to manage device movement: if the standard deviation of the location errors is below a predefined threshold, the device continues moving at an estimated speed. If the standard deviation exceeds the threshold, the system stops the device and discontinues location tracking. The path is segmented into discrete intervals to determine the device's position at specific points within a defined region. This approach improves location accuracy and reliability in environments where GPS signals are unavailable or unreliable.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the operations further comprise determining whether the estimated path of travel traverses a defined region based on a determination that defined roadways are within a defined geographic proximity of the locations.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to systems for analyzing vehicle travel paths to detect potential deviations from defined roadways. The technology addresses the problem of accurately determining whether a vehicle's estimated path of travel deviates from authorized or expected roadways, which is critical for applications such as fleet management, autonomous vehicle navigation, and traffic monitoring. The system processes location data from a vehicle to estimate its path of travel. It then evaluates whether this path crosses or approaches predefined geographic regions by checking if the vehicle's locations are within a specified proximity to defined roadways. If the estimated path is determined to traverse a defined region based on this proximity analysis, the system can trigger alerts, adjust navigation, or enforce compliance measures. The defined regions and roadways may represent restricted zones, toll roads, or other areas where adherence to specific routes is required. The invention improves upon prior methods by dynamically assessing path deviations using geographic proximity rather than strict boundary checks, allowing for more flexible and accurate detection of off-route behavior. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where vehicles must stay within designated corridors or avoid certain areas. The system may also integrate with mapping databases to dynamically update the defined regions and roadways as conditions change.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 19 , wherein the operations further comprise: associating the location information with the defined roadways; and assigning the estimated path of travel to the defined roadways.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for processing location data to improve navigation and mapping accuracy. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately associating raw location data with specific roadways, particularly in areas with complex or overlapping road networks. The solution involves a method for analyzing location data from multiple sources, such as GPS or other positioning systems, to determine a vehicle's path of travel and then mapping that path to predefined roadways in a digital map database. The system first collects location data points from a vehicle or device, which may include timestamps, coordinates, and other positional information. It then processes this data to estimate the path of travel by filtering out noise and identifying a continuous trajectory. The estimated path is then compared against a database of predefined roadways, which may include information about road geometry, connectivity, and traffic patterns. The system associates the location data with the most likely roadways by analyzing factors such as proximity, direction, and road network topology. Finally, the system assigns the estimated path to the matched roadways, updating the map database to reflect the observed travel patterns. This approach improves the accuracy of digital maps by dynamically correcting discrepancies between raw location data and predefined road networks, particularly in areas where roadways are poorly defined or frequently updated. The system can be used in navigation applications, autonomous vehicle systems, and other location-based services to enhance routing and positioning accuracy.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

March 3, 2020

Inventors

Sheldon Kent Meredith
Jeremy Fix

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